Dodgers activate Brian Wilson for Giants series

SAN FRANCISCO -- The first Giants-Dodgers series at AT&T Park this season was already bound to be intense, and the matchup got a boost Tuesday when the Dodgers brought Brian Wilson off the disabled list just in time to face his old team.

The last time the Dodgers were in San Francisco, Wilson confronted team president and CEO Larry Baer following a Giants win. Wilson, who pitched seven seasons for the Giants, was upset that he had not received his 2012 World Series ring. The Giants had invited Wilson to the ring ceremony earlier that year but he did not respond to team officials.

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 09: Relief pitcher Brian Wilson #00 of the Los Angeles Dodgers stands in the dugout before the game with the Detroit Tigers at Dodger Stadium on April 9, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
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Wilson has made just two appearances this season and the second was a disastrous one in which he gave up three runs to the San Diego Padres and failed to get an out. During that appearance, Wilson didn't appear to have any zip on his pitches — he was soon put on the disabled list with nerve irritation in his right elbow.

Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said Wilson, who twice has had Tommy John surgery, was throwing well in rehab appearances.

"He had a lot of late life (on his pitches)," Mattingly said.

Ironically, Wilson's activation could be a break for the Giants. They never have had much success against left-hander Paco Rodriguez, who was optioned to the minor leagues to clear a roster spot for Wilson. The current Giants are just 4 for 19 against Rodriguez with seven strikeouts, and he has traditionally done well against left-handers Brandon Crawford and Brandon Belt.